Screening

Paragraphs

Preparing to Screen

  1. Select a time when it is safe to ask about domestic violence
    1. Caregiver is alone at home or in a private place
    2. If child is older, send child on a brief (safe) errand
    3. If there’s never a good time, schedule meeting outside of home
  2. Have all materials
    1. Frame the questions
      1. “Because violence is so common in many people’s lives and part of my role is to be a resource to help with safety concerns, I ask all the women I work with about it.”
    2. Screening tool
    3. Resource materials (hotlines, referrals)
Relax...Take a deep breath and remind yourself, your goal is not disclosure, but to begin a conversation and let her know you’re interested in her and her family’s safety.

Introducing Screening

This clip shows a home visitor reviewing confidentiality in preparation for a domestic violence screening tool.

Video

Sensitively Screening

This video shows a home visitor screening for domestic violence. 

Video

Responding to a Screen

Question

What is the result of the screening? Click on the options below to learn more about how to proceed in each situation.

Answer
Answer Explanation

When responding to a positive screen, remain non-judgmental, but do not approve violence. 

  • Reflect and Validate Emotions
    • "It sounds like you feel X because of Y situation."
    • "It makes sense that you feel X because of Y."
  • Ask Open-ended questions
    • "Tell me about the person's relationship to you."
    • "What safety concerns do you have about this situation?"
  • Ask close-ended questions to assess for lethality
    • "I am concerned about your safety... Has the violence been getting worse?"
    • "Are there weapons in the home?"
  • Offer resources
    • "There are some resources for women who are experiencing violence in their relationships. These advocates know about safety and different options for getting support."
  • Safety Plan
    • IF not already completed with an advocate
    • IF mom is willing

 

Answer Explanation

When responding to a negative screen, keep the door open for future conversations about family violence. For example:

  • “Thanks so much for talking to me about that, relationship violence is common and can really have an impact on people’s health and well-being so I’ll probably ask about it from time to time. If you, or anyone you know are interested in learning about resources, just let me know.”

 

Answer Explanation

During a screen for family violence, it is possible that mom may let you know that she has acted violently towards a partner or family member. Below are some tips for responding to a mom who endorses perpetrating family violence. It is important to remain non-judgmental, but do not approve of her use of violent behavior.

Ask open-ended questions

  • "Tell me more about the last time you were violent with your partner"

Reflect and validate emotions

  • "Its understandable to feel X in Y situation."

Show concern and name to violence

  • "I'm concerned about your use of violence in this relationship."

Provide resources 

  • "There are services that may help reduce the violence in your relationship, would you be interested in checking them out?"